They hosted a public meeting at UTC Thursday night to hear what the local community thinks about the proposed increase.

Other than officials and people representing local businesses, the room was empty.

The Tennessee Attorney General's Office Consumer Advocate team showed up to represent ratepayers.

"We have taken a very different position from the company in this matter," Daniel Whitaker said.

They're asking for rates to decrease an average of $22 a year per residential customer.

Mike Bruesewitz lives in the Fort Wood community.

He doesn't think a higher gas bill would impact his family too much.

"Based on what you've told me it seems like a marginal increase," Bruesewitz said.

But, he says it could be an added burden to people living on a tight budget.

"Utility bills I've noticed they've gone up steadily, not as much as groceries and housing, but they have gone up and they do hit people in the pocketbook," Bruesewitz said. "That extra five, ten dollars adds up."

There will be a hearing August 20 regarding the rate increase proposal.

The TPUC will have a panel of three people to consider input from all sides before making a decision by November.

The commission is still taking public comment on the rate proposal.

You can email comments to sharla.dillon@tn.gov with the subject line "Comment regarding Docket No. 18-00017"